Platanthera clavellata [pollination & insect interaction]
These pictures show the unique pollination that is achived in the Club Spur Orchid [Platanthera clavellata]. These orchids are to be considered self pollinating, before the flowers are open and while still in bud they are twisted to one side and as the flowers open they are then twisted to a more perpendicular [level] position. This twisting of the flower burst open the anther sacs inside the bud and the massulae, made up of tiny grains of pollen, are ejected on to the stigma, and pollination has been achieved. In the second picture [below] you can see a newly opened flower with its anther sacks already burst open and pollen already on the stigma.
The self pollination strategy that this one orchid has devised to continue its species is truly remarkable and is to be admired, as it should be with all plants as each struggles to achieve pollination and continues its kind in an every changing world.
It should be noted that over the years I have witnessed many kinds of ants inside the flowers feeding on the pollen and many other kinds of insects as well. It is possible that insects do play a role in pollination of this flower but as of yet and over many years spent observing this orchid I have never observed anything but self pollination, and certainly have never witnessed any flying insects carrying or depositing pollen from one flower to another.
Platanthera clavellata, with its self pollination strategy, is one of the most successful orchids as all of its flowers never fail to produce a seed capsule. [above & below]
The self pollination strategy that this one orchid has devised to continue its species is truly remarkable and is to be admired, as it should be with all plants as each struggles to achieve pollination and continues its kind in an every changing world.
It should be noted that over the years I have witnessed many kinds of ants inside the flowers feeding on the pollen and many other kinds of insects as well. It is possible that insects do play a role in pollination of this flower but as of yet and over many years spent observing this orchid I have never observed anything but self pollination, and certainly have never witnessed any flying insects carrying or depositing pollen from one flower to another.
Platanthera clavellata, with its self pollination strategy, is one of the most successful orchids as all of its flowers never fail to produce a seed capsule. [above & below]
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These pictures show the unique pollination that is achived in the Club Spur Orchid [Platanthera clavellata]. These orchids are to be considered self pollinating, before the flowers are open and while still in bud they are twisted to one side and as the flowers open they are then twisted to a more perpendicular [level] position. This twisting of the flower burst open the anther sacs inside the bud and the massulae, made up of tiny grains of pollen, are ejected on to the stigma, and pollination has been achieved. In the second set of pictures [row two] you can see a newly opened flower with its anther sacks already burst open and pollen already on the stigma.
The self pollination strategy that this one orchid has devised to continue its species is truly remarkable and is to be admired, as it should be with all plants as each struggles to achieve pollination and continues its kind in an every changing world.
It should be noted that over the years I have witnessed many kinds of ants inside the flowers feeding on the pollen and many other kinds of insects as well. It is possible that insects do play a role in pollination of this flower but as of yet and over many years spent observing this orchid I have never observed anything but self pollination, and certainly have never witnessed any flying insects carrying or depositing pollen from one flower to another.
Platanthera clavellata, with its self pollination strategy, is one of the most successful orchids as all of its flowers never fail to produce a seed capsule.
The self pollination strategy that this one orchid has devised to continue its species is truly remarkable and is to be admired, as it should be with all plants as each struggles to achieve pollination and continues its kind in an every changing world.
It should be noted that over the years I have witnessed many kinds of ants inside the flowers feeding on the pollen and many other kinds of insects as well. It is possible that insects do play a role in pollination of this flower but as of yet and over many years spent observing this orchid I have never observed anything but self pollination, and certainly have never witnessed any flying insects carrying or depositing pollen from one flower to another.
Platanthera clavellata, with its self pollination strategy, is one of the most successful orchids as all of its flowers never fail to produce a seed capsule.
Platanthera clavellata's tiny seeds. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-20-25
Platanthera clavellata showing the two anther sacs and the tiny grains massulae, made up of tiny grains of pollen, inside the the anther sacs. Also notice the tiny grains of pollen stuck on the stigma inbetween the the anther sacs. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-24-25
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These pictures show the wonder of the pollination of the Club Spur Orchid [Platanthera clavellata]. P. clavellata is self pollinating and in these picture you can see how this is achieved. The flowers are twisted to one side and and while still in bud and with the twisting of the the bud the the anther sacs and pollinia burst open, and the massulae made up of tiny grains of pollen, fall on the stigma, as seen in the last picture. It has taken me many years and tries to capture the the tiny inside structures of this beautiful orchid and be able to finally appreciate how this tiny orchid achieves pollination.
Unknown insect on Platanthera clavellata. Tioga County, Pa. 7-5-24
Club Spur Orchid [Platanthera clavellata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 7-27-22. These flowers are considered to be self pollinating, but insects can and go explore these flowers and do move pollen between plants.
Unknown insect on Club Spur Orchid [Platanthera clavellata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 7-27-22.
Mosquito insect on Club Spur Orchid [Platanthera clavellata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 7-27-22.
Club Spur Orchid [Platanthera clavellata]. Tioga County, Pa. 7-29-21. The two dark areas parallel to each other in the throat of the flower show the anther caps where the pollen is stored for these particular flowers. These flowers are considered to be self pollinating, but insects can and go explore these flowers and do move pollen between plants.